May 6, 2008
Posted: May 6th, 2008 08:22 AM ET

From
Republican Woody Jenkins lost a Louisiana House race considered a bellwether for November.
Republican Woody Jenkins lost a Louisiana House race considered a bellwether for November.

(CNN) – A Democratic victory in a special election for a conservative Louisiana district's congressional seat flew largely under the radar over the weekend as the party's protracted presidential race continued to dominate the headlines.

But for those charged with keeping the party's majority in the House, the victory was a powerful bellwether of what to expect six months from now when Republicans will be forced to defend 26 seats vacated by retiring members, along with a slew of other vulnerable seats.

State lawmaker Don Cazayoux defeated conservative Woody Jenkins 49 percent to 46 percent in the state's 6th Congressional District, which had been under Republican control since 1974.

Full story

Filed under: Congress


Dan in CO   May 6th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

Lou Dobbs is the silliest, because he regularly proclaims he "has no horse in this race" , when every discussion on his show that takes up the topic indicates he's in Hillary's pocket.

J.R.   May 6th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

This is great news. What is with all the brain-dead people who must bash a candidate or CNN in every post? Get a life people.

Matt from Albany   May 6th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

McCain said Supreme Court Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito "would serve as the model for my own nominees if that responsibility falls to me," highlighting the gap between Republicans and Democrats on the question of who deserves to sit on the nation's highest court. Both justices have established solidly conservative records since President Bush appointed them to the court, and the appointment of just one more conservative on the Supreme Court could tip the balance on questions such as abortion, civil rights, civil liberties and private property.

"My nominees will understand that there are clear limits to the scope of judicial power, and clear limits to the scope of federal power," McCain told a crowd

barackobama4prez   May 6th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

They don't wanna post my message from Gingrich...lol...IT'S ALL GOOD! The repubs are toast!

Sesay, former Clinton backer   May 6th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

CNN is shockingly bias. Clinton News Network.

show me   May 6th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

the loser tried to use hillbillary tacktics and got the same result s she will get in the end

MNboy   May 6th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

It is disgusting cnn. We the americans would like to decide for ourselves who to pick as the next american president. For the past 4 weeks, this news network has covered Hillary Clinton 3/4 over Obama and McCain combined. You are losing the integraty that we thought u had. If I wanted to watch the republicans then I would rather tune in to fox. Shame on you guys, take for example this story here. Before, it was like a win or loss for Obama if this guy lost in Louisiana. No it is like a side story ha! Be fair, stop hating on Obama, Clinton News Network. Be fair. I am tired of seeing Hillary's silly gas tax break policies that are more insulting to all of us like we are all stupid. Is this like a stick and carrot style that she is trying on us?

Brian from Fort Mill, S.C.   May 6th, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Tom,
I'd rather vote for Rev. Wright HIMSELF than to vote for ANY of those racist Republican candidates.

However, since he's not running, I'll just vote for Barack Obama.
You probably think that if a black man became president, that he'd set out and get revenge on all white people.

Well, that didn't happen in South Africa when Nelson Mandela became president, after all those years of Apartheid. But you probably didn't know that, because you're afraid of black people in power.

In case you didn't know this, racism doesn't start with hate. It starts with fear. Then, in time, fear becomes anger, and anger becomes hate. It sounds like you're at stage 1...

Brian from Fort Mill, S.C.   May 6th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

I've never heard of this guy, but if he's a Democrat that won in a red state, then God bless him.

But do you mean that he won, even though the Republicans used their usual racist tactics by linking him to Obama's pastor??

Boy, it really must SUCK to be a Republican these days!

@americans   May 6th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

considering the fact that the 'REPUGNANT's were running ads on Rev. Wright...they are gonna be toast come this fall!

ENUFF OF GDUBYA!!!!!

Tom,des moines   May 6th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

A vote for Obama is like a vote for Rev.Wright,who's really hate america.

Obama/Rev.Wright 08!

aliou salam Florida   May 6th, 2008 12:22 pm ET

so much for race baiting.

That is a signal of things to come.

anyone running for any office will have to tell us what he /she will do for us, america. not what he she will do by race baiting. Divided we fall.

Emmanuel   May 6th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Shame on you CNN! Shame on you! CNN you have tried all your best to put down Obama but you can't stop the SUN from rising. FYI CNN you guys will have a last row sit reserved for you as per press briefing in Obamas White House. No more front row or middle row sit, start getting used to it.

Megan in La.   May 6th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

What CNN fails to say is explicitly is that this was a race between a conservative democrat and a completely off the reservation looneytoon. I'm from the 6th district and it is a probably best characterized as an overal moderate republican district. Most of my family are staunch republicans and they all voted for Don Cazayoux because he a a reputation as a decent guy and Jenkins is crazy. It will be interesting to see if the democrats hold the seat in November if the republicans run a non-crazy candidate.

Ernie   May 6th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Why is the fox network using guys who has no credibility to infuence
the public, and they want Obama to say what they want him to say even though they will not support him. If the USA is the gratest nation on earth why is it afraid to support someone who want to bring peace
to all the people on earth.

Omar C. Baez   May 6th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

The reason why this is not news is because the Democrat won. If he had lost it would have been "Obama hurts Democrat candidate". It is getting pretty clear to me that CNN just wants this to continue for ratings purposes and is being selective in what they report.

I'm not going to be watching CNN anymore. At least MSNBC reports all sides of it and lets you make the judgement.

"Best Political Team"?!! yeah right.

STOP THE MADNESS   May 6th, 2008 12:06 pm ET

That's great! Glad to see that the voters there are still thinking!

charles   May 6th, 2008 12:06 pm ET

Tim -we are with you well said.

This side of the Mississippi   May 6th, 2008 11:59 am ET

Time for a new regime!
CHANGE!!

After further review,Texas   May 6th, 2008 11:58 am ET

Beware,the Republicans think Hillary is their Hedge Fund.They knew they could never win this time out so they bought Hillary.

Ann   May 6th, 2008 11:50 am ET

Thank God for Hillary...somebody HAS to watch out for this United States of America.....God Bless America and keep Nobama out of the White House...that is no place for him. No experience, no integrity.

womanforObama   May 6th, 2008 11:48 am ET

The women on CNN are nauseating – smiling pro-Hill coverage while she panders and plays on the publics stupidity. Very biased – we've all noticed how they never put Hillary down; no matter how ridiculous or bully-like she behaves. I am sickend from CNN's coverage – except for Cafferty of course. The only one who makes sense or is in touch with the people!

mitchell   May 6th, 2008 11:45 am ET

we don't need republican's robbing our country,anymore.you are nothing more than,professional thieves.

The Voice   May 6th, 2008 11:41 am ET

Wow, this is an amazing turn of events this year. Looks like the Dems are going to take over congress. Maybe now the hard-headed stale mate the Republicans have caused can turn this country around.

To support your candidate, their is some cool, positive stuff on mifavpolitician.com its very humorous but cool. Check it out.

A Democrat in 08!!

Jed in Texas   May 6th, 2008 11:40 am ET

This is like cleaning a really old fish tank.

Paul Dobro   May 6th, 2008 11:40 am ET

Was this not a test of Obama being a drag down ticket? The RNC used ads with Rev. Wright during the height of his publicity tour, yet the Dem won a seat for the first time in over 30 years?

Where is that analysis now Clinton News Network?

Thanks for not posting my last 5 comments over the last 2 weeks, I guess I am just too Obama.

peter in PA   May 6th, 2008 11:35 am ET

If the republicans have only Rev. Wright, Ruzco, Ayer to go after Obama in the general, they might as well fold the old man McCain's tent right now. Shawn Hannity, Brite Hume, drug addict rush limbo and all the neocons couldn't stand the fact that a black guy who embodies family values (never divorced, two daughters) is about to rule their rear end...

With the exception of Jack Caftrey, the entire CNN is biased towards Clinton. Particularly, the female reporters don't want to say anything negative about Hillary.

Ostriches burying our heads in the sand   May 6th, 2008 11:35 am ET

Yay!! Great news!

RNC- time to get yourselves a new playbook!

A CANUCK   May 6th, 2008 11:32 am ET

TODAY IT WILL BE......OUT WITH THE OLD........IN WITH THE NEW.....
A NEW DAY IS DAWNING.........FINALLY.....GOD SPEED OBAMA.

Emeka, Florida   May 6th, 2008 11:29 am ET

The electability argument should not be for big states. Every state, every vote should count. The rep win in LA shows that the democrats should campaign hard for every single vote, and that more states can come into play in deciding who is the next President. There is no big or small states. A Nationwide strategy would trump a big state strategy eventually. This can easily help the Super-delegates to decide.

charles   May 6th, 2008 11:27 am ET

it didnt fall under the radar you made it like that coz be4 the election it was a hot topic coz obama was the target becoz it didnt turn out as you wanted it fell under the radar. had the democrats lost it would have bn a hot topic till today. you wont fool us all never.

pee-d-feet cause something stinks, indy   May 6th, 2008 11:27 am ET

oh... oh...

Independent-woman-voter-for-Obama   May 6th, 2008 11:27 am ET

For years, we have been loyal CNN watchers, but recently we have been switching to MSNBC with Keith Obermann and Chris Matthews. Why? Because CNN is SO biased against Sen. Obama. Where has fair reporting gone?

CNN ANSWER WHY YOU HAVE NOT COVERED THE PAUL V. CLINTON LAW SUIT? Why?

You had Wright on 24/7 for three weeks. Blasting us with his hate-speech, until you could report that Sen. Obama was down in the polls.

Can we thank you in November when McBush wins? Its a sad, sad day, when a powerful network decides whom the American public should vote for!

PLEASE INDIANA UPSET THE PUNDITS, VOTE FOR CHANGE, VOTE OBAMA!

MC- Atlanta,GA   May 6th, 2008 11:26 am ET

Congrats Don Cazayoux!!

One Less Conservative Nut Job from the South!

barackobama4prez   May 6th, 2008 11:26 am ET

GO DEMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

E. POWELL I MD & E POWELL MD II   May 6th, 2008 11:24 am ET

IF JOHN Q PUBLIC IS NOT MISTAKEN, THIS GENTLE MAN THAT WON WAS AN OBAMA SUPPORTED. THE FACTS ARE ALL FALLING INTO PLACE. THE REPUBILICANS NEED HRC TO HAVE ANY CHANCE. THE PUBLIC IS AS STUPID AS THE NEWS MEDIA AND HRC THINKS. WE ARE LOOKING FOR CHANGE. SOLUTIONS DON'T BRING CHANGE. SOULTIONS BRINGS WHAT WE JUST SEEN HAPPEN IN LA. ALL WE HAVE HEARD SO FAR FROM HRC IS PLANDERING TO THE POINT OF NAUSEA. IT IS THAT NAUSEATED FEELING THAT IS GOING TO PUT OBAMA IN THE WHITE HOUSE.

undecided   May 6th, 2008 11:24 am ET

Didn't CNN earlier say before this race in La. - if won by the Democrat - would show support for Obama because the negative ad campagin linked the Democrat to Obama. Has CNN made this point after the results?

midwestforObama   May 6th, 2008 11:19 am ET

I noticed CNN's coverage of all Hillary all the time yesterday. Hearing her brilliant statements about the gas tax and bombing Iran; and CNN's "happy" coverage of her gleeful campaigning with this type of scarey agenda brought me to depression. Can people actually like what she is saying? How can they follow her like trusting sheep when Obama speaks such truth, wisdom & common sense? I just don't get how she is doing so well. Could it be people think they're voting for Bill again? His charisma may account for her numbers. I guess we'll just have to see how this plays out. Obama for America

Venus   May 6th, 2008 11:19 am ET

Ha,ha,haaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Go Obama! This is another reason why the DNC want Obama!

Republicans should be shaking in their boots if they are up for re-election this year!

B ESS   May 6th, 2008 11:16 am ET

Operation CHAOS, Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha

Dropped an Obama on y'all !

Moses, Ca.   May 6th, 2008 11:15 am ET

You blew it Woody...

Moses, Ca.   May 6th, 2008 11:14 am ET

People still thinks that the Rev. Wright statements could hurt the Democratic party...Get real, no one cares about him anymore. We beleive Obama and so do many other people.

L.Bowie   May 6th, 2008 11:12 am ET

Although I was not in Louisiana during the voting, I would have voted for Don Cazayoux as well. I am a native of Louisiana who is proud to be a democratic. It seems the stupid ads that the republicans ran did not work. Even the visit from President Bush last week in an effort to help the republican's campaign had not effects (or did it?). Good bye republicans, Hello Change...

OBAMA 08

M.S. Indiana   May 6th, 2008 11:12 am ET

Welcome to the club Sir, looks like Obama will win many more seats for the Democrats this year

Cecile   May 6th, 2008 11:11 am ET

Go Bama! Go Bama! YES WE WILL!

Lafontaine Benoit   May 6th, 2008 11:11 am ET

Now everybody is fallowing fox. What a shame!!! Go Obama, the country is with you.

Doug R.   May 6th, 2008 11:11 am ET

Republicans have George Bush to thank for this. He has brought this country to a new low. And may their losses continue. It was also enjoyable and exciting to see J. Dennis Hastert's old seat go to a Democrat in Illinois' 14th District. I myself have voted for both parties in the past, but I am sick and disgusted with the lies, misinformation, and falsehoods the Republicans have been feeding the American people for the last 8 years.

mimi de la cruz foe OBAMA   May 6th, 2008 11:10 am ET

DEMOCRATS HAVE TO WORK HARD TO LOSE.

THE DNC SHOULD TRY HARDER TO CONTAIN

THE OTHER REPUBLICAN, HILLARY.

Anonymous   May 6th, 2008 11:07 am ET

"Obatala" is a phrase in IGBO language, an ethnicity in Nigeria, meaning "TO ARRIVE". It appears a 21st. century "MESSIAH" is about to be unvieled and he is on other than "BARRACK OBAMA". LORD, may thy will be done and your mercy aboundant as the world is going through tough times. Amen.

Anonymous.

al   May 6th, 2008 11:07 am ET

The BIG news on this story is that the Republicans supported a person who had DIRECT ties to the KKK and not one news network carried that story. This is the double standard that is being handed out in this election year.

Everybody knows about it but NOBODY says anything. Why is the media this way

Just a thought.

David Goldman for OBAMA   May 6th, 2008 11:06 am ET

CNN WHERE IS THE WINNER?

58 white old ladies for OBAMA   May 6th, 2008 11:05 am ET

WE DON'T WANT TO SEE THE LOOSER.

WE WANT TO SEE THE WINNER.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   May 6th, 2008 11:04 am ET

Louisiana's congressional change from republican to democrat is a strong reason why democrats should not defect to the republican party just because their democrat nominee didn't win. Vote democrat.

Obama 08   May 6th, 2008 11:01 am ET

Interesting that the GOP swiftboat ads re the Obama/Wright media driven controversy did not work. I am sure the superdelegates are looking at this!

An American in Canada   May 6th, 2008 10:58 am ET

HILLARY R. CLINTON WINS NORTH CAROLINA AND INDIANA!!!!

THANK YOU NORTH CAROLINA AND INDIANA FOR GIVING YOUR VOTES TO OUR NEXT PRESIDENT...

HERE'S TO HILLARY R. CLINTON

YOUR SIMPLY THE BEST
BETTER THAN ALL THE REST
BETTER THAN OBAMA, THAT'S FOR SURE
BETTER THAN MCCAIN THE BORE.

SEE GOLDIE LOCKS RUN ALL THE WAY HOME
TO THE WHITE HOUSE..............

POLLS OF POLLS

NORTH CAROLINA— OBAMA 51%———- CLINTON 41%

INDIANA ——————OBAMA 44% ———-CLINTON 48%
NOW EVERYONE KNOWS THAT THESE POLLS ALWAYS RAISE OBAMA'S POINT BY +5% AND LOWERS CLINTON'S POINT -5%
THUS THE TRUE POLLS WITH NOT MARGIN OR ERROR READS:

NORTH CAROLINA –OBAMA 46%————–CLINTON 46%
UNDECIDED 6% WHICH USUALLY GOES TO CLINTON

INDIANA —————-OBAMA 39%————–CLINTON 53%
UNDECIDED 6% WHICH USUALLY GOES TO CLINTON

THE WINNER OF BOTH PRIMARIES H.R. CLINTON OUR FUTURE PRESIDENT… CAN I HAVE AN AMEN!!!!!!!!!!

MO in NC   May 6th, 2008 10:55 am ET

NO to vote pandering and political gimmicks !
NO to cowboy diplomacy and washington as usual !
NO to manipulations and Sniper Fire !
YES to true judgement on IRAQ !
YES to a new, principled, and non-partisan dynamic in Washington !
YES to honor, and uniting and transcending race and party !

Lets Get Real, and Close the Deal !!! Obama.

Brian   May 6th, 2008 10:52 am ET

Democrats will be handing republicans a lot of Woodys this November.

AJ, IL   May 6th, 2008 10:49 am ET

Even with the GOP trying to link Rev. Wright to Obama to Don Cazayoux, Louisana voters in the state's 6th Congressional District said "HELL NO!" to the GOP.

Jose'   May 6th, 2008 10:48 am ET

Pay attention folks. A democrat controlled congress, and a democrat in the White House is the perfect storm to destroy this country.

Mark my words.

Chic   May 6th, 2008 10:47 am ET

The only reason this flew under the radar is because the media ignored it. It is a tremendously important story because it demonstrates that attacking Obama won't work for Republicans.

That's why it wasn't covered. Had the outcome been the other way, it would have been headline news. CNN and everyone else in the media want Hillary to keep winning primaries to keep the story alive – and to keep a minority candidate from winning.

Obama has overcome a totally unfair and racially charged attack by CNN and the rest of the media. If Wright were a white pastor, there would have been no story what-so-ever.

It's time for the media to admit that an African American is the best person in the race for the White House and stop trying to block it.

Women for Obama   May 6th, 2008 10:46 am ET

And he won despite negative ads linking him to Sen. Obama. There goes the electibility argument!

Griff   May 6th, 2008 10:46 am ET

Don't be foolish.. McCain The Brain, with Gigabites of Virtual Memory, will destroy you come November...

Navy Vet.   May 6th, 2008 10:42 am ET

C'Mon Indiana, Today is the day we can put Sen. Clinton out of her misery. Look inside yourself and ask "Am I ready for real change, or 8 more years of the same old same old?" The whole country is counting on US to put the Clinton nonsense to an end, so let's show em' Hoosiers are smarter than Buckeye's and Pennsyltuckyians.

Obama '08 Yes We Can!

Emma   May 6th, 2008 10:40 am ET

I guess Senator Obama has coattails that extend from Indiana down to Louisiana.

Go Obama! I bet if Hillary was at the top of the ticket there would not be a celebration in Louisiana today!

The war is over Senator Obama............congratulations to the next President of the United States of America! What a Black History fact!

Marshall in Nebraska   May 6th, 2008 10:39 am ET

Good for you Don Cazayoux. It is time for a change.

Tim   May 6th, 2008 10:37 am ET

We must echo the sentiments from a blogger named Chris on May 5th. What is happening to CNN?? We are equally disgusted by your news coverage of the Democratic race. You keep saying that Senator Clinton has momentum, and Senator Obama is loosing ground. However, Obama gained 3 delegates on May 5th and there is nothing in the news?? From April 23rd to May 5th, Senator Obama has beaten Senator Clinton in the Super Delegate race by 23 to 11. Her Super Delegate lead of 150 Super Delegate lead had been eroded to 14!!! Finally, Obama has gained 5 % in the Gallup poll and erased last week lead by Hillary. Why is this not reported? But last week you reported Hillary 4 % gain in the Gallup polls. We the people challenge your claim of being the best political team. That banner should be right next to the “Mission Accomplished” banner that President Bush hung on the Aircraft Carrier. We are calling for all to express their disgust with CNN on the blogs from now on. Enough is enough. We the people demand a CNN quick vote that asks do you think CNN is the best political team. We think you should change that slogan to “The Best Political Team…for Ratings”.

A Mama 4 Obama   May 6th, 2008 10:30 am ET

Obama will win both!

Hillary that is the “Game Plan not Game Changer”!

Did you pack your bags?

Don’t forget the “Midnight Train to Bosnia Leaves Tonight”

Clinton up by four points doesn’t mean a hill of beans.

CNN nobody believe your polls, other polls say different.

Today is a great day in thy neighborhood.

Obama 08 and 12

Rebecca   May 6th, 2008 10:29 am ET

Republicans should be shaking in their boots. George Bush and anyone left still supporting him have taken this country to one of it's lowest points in memorable history and now they will pay for it. The American people are sick and tired of the Republican tactics and selfishness and will continue to kick them to the curb.

Obatala   May 6th, 2008 10:26 am ET

CNn please post this, ..............cnn stop being so biased and agaist Senator Obama.............
The final Zogby tracking polls for today's primaries show Barack Obama expanding his lead in North Carolina, and quite possibly building up steam in Indiana, too. The numbers, compared to yesterday:

North Carolina
Obama 51% (+3)
Clinton 37% (-3)
Sample size: 643 likely primary voters, weighted for region, age, race and gender.
Margin of error: ±3.9%

Indiana
Obama 45% (+1)
Clinton 43% (+1)

Sample size: 644 likely primary votes, weighted for region, age, race and gender.
Margin of error: ±3.9%

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